Global Business Became Tougher in 2025 — WEF Survey

A new survey by the World Economic Forum (WEF) shows that companies found it harder to do business in 2025, mainly due to a decline in global cooperation on trade, climate, technology, and security.

The survey, conducted among 799 executives across 81 economies, revealed that 43% of business leaders said operating conditions worsened in 2025 compared to 2024. Only 7% said conditions improved, while the rest said things stayed the same or had no opinion.

According to the report, growing barriers to trade, talent mobility, and cross-border capital flows were major challenges. Nearly four out of ten executives said these barriers made doing business more difficult.

The WEF noted that U.S. tariff announcements in 2025 raised concerns about the future of global trade and disrupted supply chains, even though some tariffs were later reduced through negotiations.

Despite these challenges, many companies adjusted their strategies. The report found that six out of ten executives did not list trade as a major problem, suggesting that businesses are learning how to navigate global uncertainty.

The survey also highlighted a decline in cooperation on peace and security, with 42% of executives saying it worsened, while only 13% saw improvement. Collaboration on climate and natural resources also faced difficulties.

However, there was a positive sign: global investment in renewable energy rose nearly 10% in the first half of 2025, and installed solar and wind capacity increased by 67%, reaching 408 gigawatts.

📌 Bottom line: Global cooperation is weakening, making business tougher in 2025 — but companies that adapt quickly, especially in renewable energy and strategy realignment, are finding ways to stay resilien